Trim and Hooded vests

[adder70]

I was just thinking lately that my trim problems at times may be the result of my hooded vest (5mm). It occured to me that the dives where I was comfy were shallower dives with only a 3mm full wetsuit, and the dives with issues were longer deeper dives where I used the vest as well. It makes theoretical sense that the hooded vest would make one foot heavy with the added buoyancy to the upper torso and head.

For those more advanced, is that a valid issue, and what methods are there for adjusting other equipment when the vest is necessary? I know moving the tank can help, but I don't remember which way. I have an older ranger, so no trim weight pockets up high. Would adding some sort of pouch on the shoulder straps be possible?

 

[Cudabait]

Corey,

One easy way. and not the only way, is to cut an old nylon weightbelt to the correct length (to go around your tank) Burn the cut end so it does not fray. Then take a one or two lb. weight and buckle it to your tank. You can position the weight right on top of the the tank where it is visible. Then you can move the weight up or down on the tank to compensate for gear configuration. The amount of the weight can also be varied.

Or if you use a standard weightbelt......try wearing it higher on your waist, many time that will make the simple correction.

Regards,

 

[Kriterian]

. It makes theoretical sense that the hooded vest would make one foot heavy with the added buoyancy to the upper torso and head.

I understand the part about the vest (or core warmer) making the torso neoprene thicker and more buoyant. However, I'm completely confused on how that makes one of your feet heavy.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Steel tanks tend to be negative through out the dive so moving them forward will help keep your torso down a bit.

AL 80's on the other hand start out slighty negative but then get about 4 lbs positive by the end of the dive, so the reverse is true.

In addiiton to a cam band with a weight on it around the tank, an ankle weight around the tank valve can make a useful trim weight.

 

[Potapko]

I understand the part about the vest (or core warmer) making the torso neoprene thicker and more buoyant. However, I'm completely confused on how that makes one of your feet heavy.

Uh, I think it was "make one..............foot heavy. not, one foot..........heavy